Can You Cap a Sprinkler Head?

To cap a sprinkler head, remove the existing sprinkler cap and replace it with a flat cap that will prevent water from flowing. Dig up dirt around the head, exposing pipe and fittings. Unscrew sprinkler and piping connecting it below. Install appropriate size cap or plug to stop water flow after removing sprinkler. Turn on irrigation to check for leaks before burying.
If removing last sprinkler on pipe, locate upstream sprinkler, cut and cap pipe there. Low head drainage is common reason for leaks when off. Water drains from lateral pipe out sprinkler to zone’s lowest point. Can ice and damage pipe in freezing areas. Cap dead ends at preceding sprinkler.
Buy flat cap matching system. Turn off water supply valve. Look for valve connecting supply and system, rotate clockwise to turn off, blocking water flow while capping. Dig around sprinkler head for clearance to unscrew without getting soil in line. Remove current sprinkler head and cap line. Ensure watertight seal with pipe thread tape. Turn system back on and check new cap for leaks, adjust if needed. Once sealed, replace dirt.

To cap off a sprinkler, dig up the dirt around the head you want to remove exposing the pipe and fittings below. Install a cap or plug of the appropriate size/thread to stop water from flowing out of the fitting after the sprinkler is removed.

To find a stuck sprinkler head, insert a flathead screwdriver into the divot on the top of the head and turn clockwise until you can turn no more. If there’s no divot, turn the head with your hand. Then, turn the sprinkler system on to force it out.

On average, sprinkler head replacement costs $65-$90 professionally, or $2-$12 per head if done yourself. Maintaining a lush lawn requires regular watering with a system like Rain Bird. Over time, heads may become inefficient, resulting in uneven watering. Fortunately changing a head is simple and straightforward.